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Arsonist’s Affair starts production at florist shop

by on Apr 10, 2012 in The Arsonist's Affair

We’re six hours away from beginning production on The Arsonist’s Affair. The first scene we are shooting is coincidentally the first scene in the film.

The scene takes place at a florist shop, where we are introduced to the story’s protagonist Bodie, a former mob-hired arsonist who know runs a florist shop. One morning, he gets an unexpected visit from his old boss Dulany, a modern mobster, who attempts to lure Bodie back into the business. The scene has a neo-noir, crime drama feel that is intended to leave the audience uneasy.

Here are photos of our location – Morgan’s Florist in Poughkeepsie.

Jon O’Sullivan, Director of Photography, searched for inspiration in Hollywood films, and found a clips from The Town (2010) and Romance & Cigarettes (2005).

The florist scene in The Town isn’t quite exactly what we’re going for, but there’s a tense feeling that we’d like to replicate.

And then there’s this scene, from the romantic musical comedy Romance & Cigarettes. The movie has no connection with the tone of our film, but Christopher Walken makes it worth a watch.

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The Arsonist’s Affair progress report

by on Apr 04, 2012 in The Arsonist's Affair

The Arsonist’s Affair, my current film project, recently accomplished significant pre-production milestones. We cast all our roles, secured (most) locations, scheduled shooting dates, and completed a table-read of the script.

The majority of our actors were found through the Hudson Valley Film Commission. We had about 20 people audition, and I was most impressed by the talent and devotion from the acting community. Everyone had a genuine desire to help out with student films.

Phillip X. Levine.

Phillip X. Levine stars in the lead role as Bodie – the arsonist. Levine has not only been a prominent actor in the Hudson Valley community, but he’s also a poet, editor, and performer. He’s the poetry editor of Chronogram magazine and president of the Woodstock Poetry Festival. His early signs of dedication and commitment to the project and character are what convinced us to cast him for such a complex, interesting lead. And based on the last Saturday’s table-read, the other actors and actresses are just as devoted to the project.

As a filmmaker, I cannot stress enough how important it is to surround yourself with people who also believe in your project. That was a big part of decision-making process during auditions. My Sleepless in Lake Placid experience taught me that a dedicated cast can provide the much-needed confidence boost to keep pushing forward during more difficult production challenges.

Our two major locations include a florist shop, the other an antique center.

Morgan’s Florist in Poughkeepsie is a family-owned establishment that’s been in business for 61 years. I’m proud to be working with a local business that has served the community for decades.

Our other major location is the Hyde Park Antiques Center. The Antique Center is a labyrinth of fascinating artifacts, which ups the production value of our no-budget student film.

We have five days in early/mid-April scheduled to shoot the script. At this point, it’s approximately 13 pages. More details will follow in the coming weeks as the project unfolds.

The Arsonist’s Affair tells the story of Bodie, a mob-hired arsonist who must come to terms with his troubled past on his final job.

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